September in the UK is a month of transition, sitting on the edge of summer and autumn. Though the days may still carry a little warmth, with it comes cooler evenings and a welcome shift in foods available. With summer drawing to a close, the markets are still full of late-ripening vegetables and fruits, whilst giving way to more robust produce and heartier crops that welcomes the arrival of a new season.

Enjoy the best of both seasons, with light and fresh ingredients sitting alongside richer, comforting staples that invite slow cooking, baking and warming dishes. September is the perfect month to celebrate classic home-food at a slower, more meaningful pace.

Seasonal Vegetables in September

Tomatoes

Another heat-loving crop, tomatoes hit peak production during the warmer months of July through to the end of September. Though technically a fruit, tomatoes are used as a culinary vegetable, alongside both fruits and veg alike

How to Enjoy Them: Serve in fresh salads with basil and mozzarella, slow-roast to intensify their natural sweetness, or simmer into hearty sauces that can be preserved and used throughout the following seasons. They’re versatile enough to shine in simple dishes and complement other fresh ingredients in side dishes.

Wild Mushroom

September is peak season for wild mushrooms in the UK, with a diverse selection appearing in woodlands and farmers’ markets. Earthy and aromatic, they represent the very best of the autumn season.

How to Enjoy Them: Sauté gently with garlic and herbs, stir into creamy risottos, or pair with white wine and cream for a creamy wild mushroom sauce to serve alongside steaks. With care and good knowledge, foraging them in local woodlands can add an extra connection to the season.

Leeks

Leeks start to thrive as the weather cools, bringing a mellow, buttery (especially when sautéed) flavour that works wonderfully in both simple and rich dishes.

How to Enjoy Them: Combine with spinach in a simple housewarming classic Spinach and Leek Risotto (recipe can be found on our blog), slow-cook into soups, or mix with chicken for a comforting pie (recipe also posted on our blog)

Kale

Kale thrives as the temperature drops, making it the perfect ingredient for warming soups and stews. Whether you’re looking for a creamy and comforting dish, or a nutritional snack, kale is so versatile and packed with nutrients that there’s a recipe for all your cravings!

How to Enjoy Them: Spread onto a baking sheet, salt and drizzle a little olive oil over kale then air-fry or roast lightly for a crispy, savoury snack, add to green smoothies for a Vitamin C-packed start to your mornings, or mix with pesto for a creamy pasta dish

Herbs in Season this September

Parsley

Parsley continues to flourish as autumn approaches, adding freshness to seasonal dishes both as an accenting garnish, and as a key ingredient in sauces, salsas and pesto. With two varieties, flatleaf parsley has a stronger flavour and is common in Mediterranean cooking.

How to Enjoy Them: Pairs well with fish when Incorporated into a creamy sauce. Excess parsley can be dried out, infused into olive oil, or blended alongside other herbs and mixed into soups

Bay Leaves

Bay leaves are a classic culinary herb in comfort cooking, known for their deep, woodsy aroma and subtle complexity brought on by slow-cooking. Often overlooked in their dry form, fresh bay leaves are fragrant in the summer can forms a key part of many curries and stews

How to Enjoy Them: Infuse into slow-cooked dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles - they also work well in homemade stocks and pickling brines, just eb sure to remove the leaves before serving as they’re not meant to be eaten whole

Mint

Nearing the end of season, mint is harvested right up until first frost, but can be potted indoors for a continued supply. Bringing a cool, refreshing flavour to many warming comfort dishes, mint appears in a wide range of recipes ranging from condiments to sides

How to Enjoy Them: Tear and mix into couscous or grain salads for a refreshing bite, blend into sauces like chimichurri or yogurt dressings, or garnish roasted vegetables and soups. On the sweeter side, pair with late-season fruits, or add to cakes, syrups, or both hot drinks and cocktails

Fruits in Season this September

Apples

September is considered the start of the main harvest for apples, with orchards bursting into life with an incredible variety to choose from. Each type offers its own flavours thus making apples one of the most versatile fruits of the month.

How to Enjoy Them: Enjoy as a raw snack, drizzled with honey or dipped in peanut butter. Apples are also a great addition to slaws and salads, or baked into classic crumbles, pies, and cakes. They’re also great for simmering into chutneys and sauces, pairing well with roasted meats and cheeses

Pears

Similarly to apples, September marks the start of the peak season for most pear varieties - their subtle sweetness and soft flesh makes them great additions to simple and indulgent dishes

How to Enjoy Them: Pears are highly versatile and can appear in a range of recipes, from fruit salads to alongside meat dishes. Poach pairs with spices like cinnamon and star anise for a warming dessert, bake into cakes, or serve fresh on cheese boards

Elderberries

Small, deep-purple berries found in clusters on elder bushes, elderberries typically ripen into the autumn months, after the white flowers have bloomed. Packed full of antioxidants, they can be enjoyed in a range of forms whilst still contributing to your nutrient intake

How to Enjoy Them: Simmer gently with sugar for a simple jam, bake into crumbles and pies, or cook with sugar for a vibrant syrup or cordial - perfect for drizzling over Greek yoghurt

How to Make the Most of September’s Produce -

One of the best ways to enjoy the first autumn harvest is by letting it inspire your weekly meals. Build menus around the abundance and tones of flavours - using apples in both sweet and savoury dishes, or working with mushrooms and leeks for a comforting midweek meal. Cooking in larger batches can also help you to make the most of what you buy; a single tray of slow-roasted tomatoes can be incorporated into a rich and fresh pasta dish for one evening, stirred into a hearty stew the next, and spread over toast or crostini for a light snack. Not only does this make meal prepping easier, but does so with little to no waste.

Sharing your seasonal cooking is another great way to make the most of the harvest - whether that means gifting a freshly baked apple and cinnamon cake to the neighbours, or enjoying a cosy meal with friends and loved ones that celebrates the very best of autumnal flavours. September’s produce is about limiting waste, embracing variety and sharing the best of the season, so try to incorporate these ingredients into as many aspects of your daily meals as possible.

Final Thoughts

September is the UK’s season of balance, the last tastes of summer welcomes the comforting flavours of autumn. It’s a time to enjoy the best of both worlds, perhaps with those surrounding you - combine light dishes with courgettes alongside warming meals using ingredients like leeks, apples, and spices. By eating seasonally, you’re consciously opting for a more mindful standard of living, one without excessive food waste, with reduced food miles, and with a deeper connection to the changing rhythms of nature.

Farm to Fork: Welcome the Seasonal Shift with September’s Harvest